Elfyn Evans produced a battling display on the opening day of the season ending Rally Australia.

The Dolgellau-born flier – competing for the first time since his maiden WRC win on Wales Rally GB earlier in November – finished in 10th spot.

Evans knew the conditions would not be favourable in his M-Sport Fiesta WRC car unlike those on his home forests.

The 28-year-old finished almost one minute 14 secs behind overnight leader Andreas Mikkelsen.

Evans said: “We knew the conditions were unlikely to suit us this weekend.

“It’s all been about getting the experience and getting the notes fully up to date.

“The afternoon was a bit better, but we’re still just focused on the job in hand – on getting through the stages and taking the maximum we can away from this weekend.”

M-Sport team chief Malcolm Wilson said: “Elfyn knew that he would struggle here.

“He might have been fifth on the road, but the conditions just aren’t suited to his package this weekend. He’s kept a level head and focused on getting the experience for the future.”

Evans’ stage results:

SS1: 10th (+10.0)
SS2: 10th (+18.4)
SS3: 9th (+15.0)
SS4: 10th (+7.0)
SS5: 10th (+10.6)
SS6: 11th (+10.3)
SS7: 10th (+2.6)
SS8: 10th (+3.0)

Top 10 leaderboard

1. Andreas Mikkelsen / Ander Jaeger (Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC) 57:51.9
2. Thierry Neuville / Nicolas Gilsoul (Hyundai 120 Coupe WRC) +20.1
3. Kris Meeke / Paul Nagle (Citroen C3 WRC) +20.8
4. Jari-Matti Latvala / Miikka Anttila (Toyota Yaris WRC) +29.9
5. Craig Breen / Scott Martin (Citroen C3 WRC) +30.8
6. Ott Tänak / Martin Järveoja (Ford Fiesta WRC) +33.0
7. Hayden Paddon / Sebastian Marshall (Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC) +38.2
8. Sébastien Ogier / Julien Ingrassia (Ford Fiesta WRC) +47.9
9. Stephane Lefebvre / Gabin Moreau (Citroen C3 WRC) +57.3
10. Elfyn Evans / Daniel Barritt (Ford Fiesta WRC) +1:13.8